Wanda Rosemary Walthall, age 92, passed away on Monday, March 11, 2024. Rosemary was born on April 18, 1931, to L.E. and Addie Jenkins Antwiler in Delhart, Texas.
Rosemary grew up on a farm around Fristoe, Missouri and graduated from Warsaw High School in 1949. After graduation she worked in Kansas City until her marriage to J.C. She was married to J.C. Walthall October 13, 1952, at Kensington Avenue Baptist Church, Kansas City, Missouri. Unto this union one daughter was born.
Following their marriage, they made their home on a farm near Fristoe. In 1957 they moved to their farm near Lincoln, Missouri.
Rosemary spent the majority of her career proudly serving the citizens of Benton County in the Courthouse; first as a deputy in the Collector’s office, then as a deputy in the Circuit Clerk and Recorder’s office. She was eventually elected Circuit Clerk where she served until her retirement. She worked really hard, but also liked to have fun; and was the instigator of plenty of practical jokes. She loved a good laugh.
Rosemary was strong conservative and a proud American. She was a long-time member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the State Circuit Clerks Association where she enjoyed dressing up and playing the part of a character named “Minnie Sharp” at the annual association meetings.
After retirement, she became a charter member of the Retired Circuit Clerks Group.
Rosemary enjoyed horses, beekeeping, and photography; but she especially enjoyed sitting on her deck in the mornings with a cup of coffee watching the Purple Martins and Hummingbirds.
Rosemary had the gift of gab and never met a stranger. She was kind to everyone, always wore a smile and was rarely seen without a cup of coffee in hand. She loved God, life, her family and her dogs.
Rosemary was proceeded in death by her husband, J.C., her parents, two brothers and one sister.
She is survived by her daughter, Shirley; her sister, Dorothy Breshears; nephews Bob Truitt and Robert Breshears; and numerous extended family.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the Reser Funeral Home in Warsaw. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Interment will follow the funeral at the Fristoe Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Fristoe Cemetery or Care Connection of Warsaw.
